5 Major Religions and Philosophies

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering founders, origins, sacred texts, dates, and core beliefs of major world religions and philosophies based on the lecture chart.

Hinduism

A major religion originating in India / South Asia around 1500 BCE with an unknown founder, centered on sacred texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads, and core beliefs in reincarnation and karma. The oldest religion

Where/When was Hinduism founded?

India / South Asia around 1500 BCE

Vedas and Upanishads

The sacred texts of Hinduism, originating in India / South Asia.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion founded by Abraham and Moses, based on the sacred text of the Torah and adherence to the 10 Commandments.

Where/When was Judaism founded?

in SW Asia / Middle East (Israel) around the 20th century BCE

Torah

The primary holy text of Judaism.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama, utilizing the Tripitaka as its text and centered on the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Where/When was Buddhism founded?

In India / South Asia around 563–483 BCE (~500 BCE)

Tripitaka

The sacred text associated with Buddhism and the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system founded by Confucius in China, centered on the Analects and emphasizing the 5 Basic Relationships and respect for elders. A belief was unequal relationships. Developed by Zhou, Centralized by Song

Confucianism

• Moral behavior

• Education

• Unequal relationships

Daoism

• Spontaneous, individual, natural behavior

• Withdrawal from the world of political/social activism and rejection of social hierarchy

• Yin and yang: embracing opposites ex. (dark/light, masculine/feminine)

• Counter to Confucianism in many ways, but elites thought it complemented Confucianism

Where/When was Confucianism founded?

(Yangtze / Huang He River Valleys) around 551–479 BCE

Analects

The primary text of Confucianism compiling the teachings of Confucius.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophical and religious tradition founded by Laozi during the 6th century BCE/ Zhou dynasty based on the text Tao Te Ching, which emphasizes education and moral improvement.

Tao Te Ching

The essential sacred text of Daoism attributed to founder Laozi.

Christianity

A monotheistic faith founded by Jesus Christ, based on the holy text of the Bible and beliefs in salvation.

Where/When was Christianity founded?

in SW Asia / Middle East (Israel) during the 1st century CE (around 30 CE)

Bible

The sacred holy text of Christianity.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad, centered on the Quran and the observance of the 5 Pillars of Islam.

Where/When was Islam founded

in SW Asia / Middle East (Saudi Arabia / Mecca) during 610–632 CE

Quran

The holy book and central sacred scripture of Islam.

5 Pillars of Islam

Shahada (Faith):

Salah (Prayer):

Zakat (Alms):

Sawm (Fasting):

Hajj (Pilgrimage):